Theatre Royal & Opera House

The Theatre Royal opened in 1885 replacing an earlier wooden structure which closed the previous year. The ground floor was divided into orchestra stalls and pit. A single horseshoe circle and four boxes were at first floor level. The theatre was not a success and closed a few months later. Extensive alterations took place to correct defects. New entrances were constructed, seats replaced and the auditorium totally redecorated.

Despite occasional weeks of films the Theatre Royal was basically a live entertainment venue until 1954 when it closed. In August 1955 it reopened, apparently little changed, as the Casino Ballroom. Balcony and stage were retained, the stalls levelled and a sprung maple dance floor laid at stage level. In March 1966 the building was gutted to form the Casino Niterie.

As seen now (and despite its grand name) it is not a particularly distinguished building, the gabled front and flank being divided into pebble-dashed panels by cement pilaster strips, a treatment which makes it look like an early cine-variety. The brick stage house could be of later construction. A plaque on the façade reads THEATRE ROYAL AD 1884, with oak leaf decoration and a monogram, JW.

Demolition seemed to be the most likely prospect when inspected in 2005.